by Alikay Wood
With many parents working from home, schools temporarily closing and people coming up with creative ways to stay home, there's never been a better time to take advantage of the plethora of films available on streaming services. From Disney classics to new epics, these movies will bring your whole family together and help lift your spirits.
Hilary Swank stars as a teacher who inspires a dejected group of teens in Los Angeles to overcome racial divides and their at-risk labels. The film is based on the true story of teacher Erin Gruwell, who encouraged her students to keep journals and use writing to improve their lives.
Elsa and Anna return in this sequel, set three years after the beloved Frozen. Elsa, Anna and their friends Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, go on a journey north and leave their home in search of the source of Elsa’s power.
Director Sean Anders poured his real-life experience with foster care and adoption into this uplifting film about family and love. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star as a well-to-do couple who, on a whim, decide to become foster parents.
Based on the real-life blog of author Julie Powell (Amy Adams), this charming movie follows Powell as she decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s (Meryl Streep) cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The movie cuts between Powell’s fledgling attempts at cooking and Child learning how to become a cook herself.
Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne star in this adventurous film about two scientists who take to the sky in a hot air balloon to prove that weather can be predicted.
This adaptation of the bestselling novel by R.J. Palacio stars Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. The movie follows a family as their son, Auggie, who was born with a rare genetic disorder, goes to school and becomes a surprising hero to those who meet him.
This reboot of the 1974 classic tells the story of two children who become friends with a stray dog named Benji. When they are kidnapped by robbers, it is up to Benji to rescue them.
Twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen star in this switching places tale that follows—in the tradition of The Parent Trap—two girls from very different backgrounds with similar faces. When they trade lives, they discover that their caretakers could be a perfect match and try to set them up.
Directed by Martin Scorcese, this adaptation of a book by Brian Selznick, is charming and inspiring. Set in Paris during the 1930s, the movie tells the story of Hugo, a young orphan seeking to find a mysterious key he believes will unlock a message from his father.
The Incredibles 2 picks up right where the original film left off 14 years ago. The family struggles after Helen is thrust into the superhero spotlight, leaving Bob with the task of caring for their home and children.
The classic comic book character, Tintin, comes to life in this movie directed by Steven Spielberg. Tintin is set off on an unexpected investigation when he discovers that a model ship contains clues hinting to the location of secret treasure.
This magical movie follows a skeptical man named Edward as he tries to find the truth in his father’s fantastical stories. As Edward investigates bank robberies, werewolves and a strange fish, he finally begins to understand his father’s love for tall tales.
Director Ava DuVernay's take on Madeleine L'Engle's beloved children's book is full of heart and humor. This version stars Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon as the three supernatural beings who guide a young girl on a journey through space and time to save her father.
The sequel to the 1964 musical movie Mary Poppins is worth the 50 year wait. Emily Blunt plays the titular character, who journeys back to London 25 years after the events of the first film took place to assist the now grown up Michael and Jane after a family crisis. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Meryl Streep co-star.
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